Things you need to know before buying an atmospheric drinking water generator
We are going to present some important considerations to take into account when purchasing an atmospheric generator as a source of drinking water for our project.
- Difference between nominal and specific capacity
- Temperature and relative humidity in your geographic location
- Your minimum daily water needs and choice of equipment
- Connection to an external repository
- Necessary power of your installation
- Consumption per liter produced
- Energy sources, grid or photovoltaic
- Maintenance of an atmospheric water generator
- Indicative prices for atmospheric water generators
- Where to get advice and get the best discount
Nominal and specific capacity of an atmospheric water generator
First of all, it is important to clarify that the nominal capacity indicates the maximum daily generation under optimal conditions and working 24 hours.
The nominal or optimal conditions used by most manufacturers are 30ºC and 80% HR (relative humidity).
If the equipment is for example 50 liters, it means that it will generate a maximum of 50 liters per day, if it is 24 hours at 30ºC and 80% RH.
A specific capacity is one that is described for specific temperature and humidity conditions other than the nominal ones.
Historical variations in temperature and relative humidity
The temperature and relative humidity change during the day and during the seasons of the year, so it is advisable to consult the generation tables of the different manufacturers of atmospheric water generators to know what amount of real water each model will generate in your geographic location. throughout the year depending on temperature and relative humidity.
The history of temperatures and relative humidity for a geographical area can be consulted in the different meteorological services.
Minimum daily water needs
Since, as we have explained, the volume of water generated by an atmospheric water generator varies according to temperature and relative humidity, it will be important to choose the equipment taking into account its minimum production to ensure our needs at times of lower generation.
Possibility of connection to an external tank
An important consideration is deciding whether we are really going to consume all the water produced or not. It is possible that the average generation could be higher than what we consume, so that it may be useful to store the excess water in an external tank. This possibility will allow us to manage excess water and save by choosing lower power equipment.
Not all atmospheric water generators available on the market have this option and when they do, it is important to find out if they include a recirculation system between the external tank and the equipment filters. This will ensure that the water in the external tank is suitable for consumption at all times.
Normally domestic or small-capacity equipment (less than 200 liters) does not usually incorporate this option.
Power and installation required: single-phase or three-phase
Lower power equipment can be connected to a single-phase domestic installation at 220-230 V with powers between 1 and 1.6 KW.
The larger volume equipment (from 250 to 5000 liters) works at 380-400 V and with powers of 3 to 55 KW, requiring a three-phase distribution installation.
The power of an atmospheric water generator is determined by the power of the compressor and fans. The more water that must be extracted from the air, the greater the air flow and cooling power that will be required, which will translate into a greater power demand.
Electrical consumption per liter produced: kWh/liter
Each manufacturer’s strategies are different when addressing the market. Some prefer affordable equipment and others stand out for offering somewhat more expensive equipment but with highly optimized consumption. This means that although at the beginning we pay more for the equipment, in the end, it pays for itself sooner because the cost of the electricity bill is lower.
Consequently, it is important to find out the energy generation costs per liter (kWh/l) of each piece of equipment, which vary depending on the temperature and relative humidity conditions.
For example, a manufacturer may offer a 50-liter atmospheric water generator with a consumption of 0.42 KW/liter and a 200-liter one with 0.19 kW/liter; while another manufacturer can offer equipment of similar volumes without highlighting the energy cost of production.
Compatible energy sources: grid or photovoltaic
Water generators require a source of electrical energy for their operation. This energy is what primarily powers the compressor, fans and pumps.
Since the use of photovoltaic installations is currently widespread, it will be easy to power the generators through this system if there is no electricity grid.
Maintenance of an atmospheric water generator and guarantees
The machines are typically plug and play and require no special initial installation.
Maintenance by the same user usually consists of cleaning the water tanks once a month, changing 1 sediment filter every 6 months, and the air and water filter kit approximately once a year. If the equipment uses an ultraviolet (UV) lamp for water disinfection, it must be changed every 2 years.
These calendars are indicative as they will depend on the intensity of use of the equipment.
The warranty for the most common atmospheric water generators is one to two years. There are extension options for an additional amount on the cost of the equipment.
Indicative prices: equipment, consumables and transportation
The tariff prices for atmospheric drinking water generators range approximately between 60 and 40 Euros per liter of nominal capacity.
The price per liter being more expensive in the case of domestic or small nominal capacity models.
Thus, for example, a 50-liter unit may have a tariff price of €3,000 and a 1,000-liter unit may have a tariff price of €40,000.
To the price of the equipment you must always add the price of consumables, between 300 and 900 Euros, transportation and VAT.
Aquasol, get advice and get the best discount
There are different manufacturers of atmospheric water generators with models with different features. They work with rates and discounts depending on whether the product is purchased by an installer or end user.
Aquasol wants to promote atmospheric water generators as a sustainable solution and offers the service of searching for the equipment that best suits the needs of the installation, negotiating the best discount with the proposed manufacturer for each situation.
